Lahore has been ranked as the second most polluted city in the world, with Karachi securing the fourth position, according to the latest report released on Wednesday. This places both cities among the globe’s most polluted urban areas, underscoring the ongoing environmental crisis in Pakistan.
Within Pakistan, Multan topped the national list, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 324, followed by Lahore at 305. Other cities such as Peshawar, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad also ranked high on the country’s pollution index, highlighting the widespread nature of the air quality crisis.
Punjab, in particular, has been struggling with severe air pollution and smog as the winter season begins. Despite efforts by provincial authorities to combat these hazardous conditions, factors such as low-grade diesel emissions, agricultural burning, and cold winter temperatures have contributed to the worsening air quality. Lahore, in particular, has repeatedly found itself among the most polluted cities globally, with pollution levels that have at times been over 80 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limits.
The impact of this pollution on public health has been significant, leading to widespread respiratory problems and other health issues among residents. In response to the deteriorating air quality, the government has implemented several measures to reduce exposure to the harmful smog, including temporarily closing schools and limiting business hours. These actions aim to protect the public from the immediate dangers of air pollution, but long-term solutions will be necessary to address the root causes of the crisis.
With the situation growing more dire, authorities continue to work on strategies to mitigate the pollution and improve air quality for residents in these affected cities.
